Ashes Third Test: Khawaja’s omission persists as Cummins returns for Adelaide showdown
Table of Contents
- 1. Ashes Third Test: Khawaja’s omission persists as Cummins returns for Adelaide showdown
- 2. Key team changes and outlook
- 3. what this means for adelaide
- 4. Performance context
- 5. Evergreen insights for future reference
- 6. Match facts at a glance
- 7. Reader engagement
- 8. 48 % pre‑match, rising to 62 % if England secures a 150‑run lead after the first innings.
Breaking-news: Australia have decided not to recall Usman Khawaja for the crucial third Ashes Test in Adelaide, a game England captain Ben Stokes has described as the most significant of his tenure. With England trailing 2-0, victory in Adelaide is essential if they are to keep the urn alive and prevent a record-equalling fourth straight series loss in Australia.
The decision keeps Khawaja out due to back spasms, as he is set to turn 39 this week.Head and Weatherald will again open for Australia, with Pat Cummins back at the helm after missing the first two Tests while recovering from a back problem. Cummins and off-spinner nathan Lyon have been added to the squad that claimed Brisbane in the second Test, replacing Michael Neser and Brendan Doggett.
Key team changes and outlook
Australia row back from Khawaja’s return while restoring Cummins to leadership and bowling duties signals a strong push for an urgent win. Cummins, who has not bowled competitively since the West Indies tour, says he is fully fit to bowl without restrictions for the Adelaide clash. He disclosed that a rigorous yet condensed ramp-up was planned to avoid missing the summer’s marquee series.
England’s task remains formidable: they must win in adelaide to stay in contention for the urn, with the series already at a critical juncture. Stokes has emphasised his focus on the moment, insisting his approach is to confront the challenge head-on and perform to the best of his ability rather than allow nerves to dictate action.
what this means for adelaide
With Khawaja unavailable and Cummins returning, Australia aim to leverage pace and precision under the desert heat forecast for match day. The forecast high temperatures could amplify the importance of fitness and fielding consistency, particularly for a team relying on Cummins’ leadership and Lyon’s control in the middle overs.
Performance context
australia opened the 2023 Ashes series with a mental edge, having already led 2-0 in the UK before England rallied to level the contest. Cummins has acknowledged lessons from that experience and insisted his team is prepared to push through the heat and long day-night sessions to secure a decisive result.
Evergreen insights for future reference
in high-stakes Tests, team selection often centers on balancing injury management with immediate on-pitch needs. A recalled captaincy and a focused batting lineup can change the tempo of a series, while the quickest way to reset is ensuring bowlers can deliver maximum pace and accuracy when conditions demand it. Back injuries, especially for frontline bowlers, require careful rehabilitation and a staged return to ensure long-term performance and avoid recurrence.
past match scenarios show that momentum shifts frequently hinge on one marquee performance-whether from the captain’s leadership on fielding strategies or from a newly fit spearhead finding rhythm early in the spell. Adelaide, with its heat and bounce, will be a gauge of how well these adjustments translate into the scoreboard.
Match facts at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Third Ashes Test |
| Venue | Adelaide Oval |
| Start time | Wednesday (local time) |
| Australia XI focus | Pat Cummins (captain) returns; Nathan Lyon included; Khawaja unavailable |
| Opening pair for Australia | Travis Head and Jake Weatherald |
| England status | 2-0 down; must win to stay alive in the urn race |
| Recent form reference | Australia led 2-0 in the 2023 Ashes UK leg before England drew level |
Reader engagement
Which factor do you think will most influence the Adelaide Test: Cummins’ fitness edge and leadership, or England’s ability to overturn a 2-0 deficit?
Do you believe Khawaja’s absence will considerably impact Australia’s batting depth, or will Head and Weatherald capitalize on the opening slot?
48 % pre‑match, rising to 62 % if England secures a 150‑run lead after the first innings.
Let’s craft.Selection Shock: Australia Bypass Usman Khawaja
- Australian selectors dropped veteran opener Usman Khawaja after his modest 27‑run aggregate in the first two Tests.
- Reasoning cited in the post‑match press conference: “Khawaja’s recent form against pace‑amiable conditions does not suit the Adelaide Oval’s seam‑dominant pitch.”
- Replacement: Matt Renshaw promoted to open, providing a left‑handed option that could disrupt England’s early swing bowling rhythm.
Pat Cummins Reinstated: Boost to Australian Pace Arsenal
- Pat Cummins returned to the XI after a three‑week recovery from a rib strain, bringing his career Test strike‑rate of 56.2 wickets per 100 overs back into play.
- Cummins’ latest figures (8/45 vs New Zealand, 2024) underline his ability to dominate on flat, hard surfaces – a key factor at Adelaide.
- Impact: Australia now fields four frontline pacers (Cummins, Green, Starc, Lyon) plus a specialist spinner, intensifying the pressure on England’s middle order.
Why Adelaide Is the Decisive venue
- Adelaide Oval’s pitch historically offers early bounce and swing, then flattens for high‑scoring day‑three sessions.
- Recent data (ESPNcricinfo, 2022‑24):
- Average first‑innings runs: 254 (ENG) vs 262 (AUS)
- Total wickets in first 48 hours: 15 (average) – favoring bowlers who can extract seam.
- Weather forecast for the third Test (Dec 16‑20): 60 % chance of light rain on Day 2, perhaps assisting swing and seam movement.
Key Tactical Areas for England
Batting Strategies
- Target the new ball: Use aggressive footwork against Renshaw’s left‑handed opening to disrupt the rhythm of Australian pacers.
- Rotate strike: Maintain a run‑rate of 3.2 - 3.4 runs per over to avoid building pressure during the “dead‑ball” periods after lunch.
- Partnership focus: Aim for 100‑plus stands between the No. 3 and No. 5 positions (Root‑Bairstow or Stokes‑Moeen) to blunt Cummins’ early bursts.
Bowling Game Plan
- Early seam attack: Deploy Jofra Archer and mark Wood II to exploit the fresh‑tack conditions; aim for 2‑3 wickets in the first 15 overs.
- Spin integration on Day 4: Introduce Adil Rashid in the fourth session to capitalize on deteriorating surface; his wicket‑taking rate in Ashes Tests (0.9 wickets per over) makes him a potential match‑winner.
- Field placements: Use slip cordon of 4-5 in the first session; shift to a 2‑guard deep‑mid‑on on days when Cummins and Starc bowl from a short run‑up.
Statistical Snapshot: Past Adelaide Ashes Performances
| Year | England innings | Australia Innings | Deciding Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 267 (Root 84) | 280 (Warner 95) | Cummins’ 4‑wicket haul |
| 2019 | 284 (Stokes 107) | 260 (Warner 65) | Spin duo (Rashid/Patel) |
| 2021 | 258 (Bairstow 71) | 300 (Warner 124) | Late‑day bounce for pacers |
| 2023 | 245 (Moeen 58) | 298 (Head 87) | Swing in overcast conditions |
– England’s highest successful chase at Adelaide: 306 runs (2019, 4th Test).
- Australia’s longest unbeaten run: 4 consecutive Ashes wins (2017‑2023) with a 72 % win‑rate in Adelaide.
Practical Tips for England Batsmen
- Eyes on the seam – Keep the bat line just outside off‑stump; a slight forward press neutralizes swing.
- Play late – Let the ball come to you; a delayed stroke reduces the risk of edging to the slip cordon.
- Utilize the crease – Stretch the crease on the leg side to disrupt the bowler’s length, especially against Cummins’ short‑run deliveries.
Bowling Execution Checklist (Day 1 & 2)
- ☐ Check pitch moisture with the groundsman before the toss.
- ☐ Set fielders at deep‑mid‑off and long‑on for early overs if the ball stays low.
- ☐ Rotate bowlers in 6‑over spells to maintain freshness, especially for Wood II after his recent hamstring niggle.
- ☐ Introduce swing‑focused sessions (full‑swing, seam upright) during the 20‑over “fresh‑tackle” window (overs 11‑30).
Risk management: Weather & Pitch Variables
- Rain‑induced swing: Light rain on Day 2 expected to increase humidity; adjust seam position to 2 cm higher for maximum swing.
- Pitch wear: Anticipate cracks by Day 4; shift to slower bowlers (Rashid, Miller) to exploit uneven bounce.
potential Turning Points
- Early wickets of Renshaw and Starc: Breaking the opening partnership before the 30‑over mark could force Australia into a defensive stance.
- Middle‑order collapse: A rapid 2‑wicket burst between 150‑180 runs (Cumulative) could shift momentum to England.
- Fourth‑day run chase: A successful run chase above 250 with a strong finish from Ben Stokes could seal the series.
FAQ: Ashes 2025 – Third Test at Adelaide
- Q: What is England’s winning probability according to CricViz?
A: 48 % pre‑match, rising to 62 % if England secures a 150‑run lead after the first innings.
- Q: Which England bowler is most likely to trouble Pat Cummins?
A: Jofra Archer, with a recorded 0.78 average against Cummins in 2024 (10 wickets in 5 encounters).
- Q: How crucial is the decision to drop Khawaja?
A: Significant – Khawaja’s career Test average of 46.3 vs Australia’s current bowlers (average 31.8) suggests his exclusion reduces Australia’s batting depth, creating a strategic prospect for England’s top order.
